Dudek
Finnan Carrragher Hyypia Traore
Hamann
Luis Garcia Gerrard Xabi Alonso Riise
Baros
THE FORMATION
Essentially 4-4-2, with Didi Hamann as the midfield shield in front of the defence and Luis Garcia often dropping to right midfield, allowing Steven Gerrard to take a more central role.
SELECTION DILEMMAS
Rafa Benitez must decide who to drop from midfield to accommodate the return of Xabi Alonso from suspension. Igor Biscan, a strong performer in Europe, is likeliest to make way. In attack, Djibril Cisse’s amazing recovery from a broken leg means Benitez must choose between the Frenchman’s pace and power, and the predatory instincts of Milan Baros.
THE KEY MEN
Steven Gerrard: the most important figure in the side, a driving force in midfield who will have to deny space to Milan playmaker Andrea Pirlo, while also deploying his not inconsiderable creative skills.
Luis Garcia: Liverpool’s top scorer in Europe this season. Has the pace to trouble
Milan’s defence.
Xabi Alonso: brilliant passer whose midfield influence will be crucial if Liverpool are to maintain a
high-tempo game to unsettle Milan.
Jamie Carragher: immense against Chelsea and the man most capable of stopping Andrii Shevchenko.
Didi Hamann: the midfielder most likely to be delegated to shadow Kaka.
Jerzy Dudek: brilliant keeper on his day, but also prone to handling howlers.
Djibril Cisse: powerful striker whose pace will be needed if Liverpool are to take the game to Milan, just as they did against Juventus.
THE SUBSTITUTES
Scott Carson (keeper), Igor Biscan, Harry Kewell, Antonio Nunez, Vladimir Smicer, Djibril Cisse.
